CUSTER, S.D. – Fire crews remained on the lines of the Qury Fire burning southeast of Custer overnight and firefighters continue battling the blaze today.

There had been some snow showers moving over the fire, however, the bulk of the snow was falling over the Northern Hills Friday morning.

Fire officials say a Type 3 Incident Management Team is now in place for the fire, which is located approximately 1-2 miles southeast of Custer, SD. The incident began as two separate fires on Thursday afternoon and are now known jointly as the Qury Fire.

Fire behavior moderated overnight with reduced winds. This morning, fire behavior is being minimized by less wind, cooler weather, and a higher relative humidity. The fire is estimated at just over 5,000 acres with no containment currently declared. Federal, state, and local resources will continue working together today in a unified effort to suppress the fire.

Evacuation orders remained in place overnight for residents in Lower French Creek through CSP 87, Hazelrodt, Glen Erin, Flynn Creek, Herbert Draw, SD87, Wildlife Loop Road, and Wind Cave. Those evacuations remain in place.

In Custer State Park, all roads and trails south of Highway 16A are closed and barricaded, though Highway 385 through Wind Cave National Park remains open to traffic.

The Custer Armory is now being used to house emergency responders, and displaced residents are advised to seek shelter at the Living Outreach Church.

The fire was being pushed by gusty winds yesterday southeast of Custer. Fire maps show it burned up to Highway 87 in Custer State Park.

Todd Hoover, Incident Commander, set out two primary objectives to begin the day; prioritizing structure protection and working on obtaining containment around the fire perimeter. Crews are utilizing heavy equipment such as bulldozers and utilizing roads as natural fire breaks.

The team will also be supported by National Guard air operations today.

“We need non-emergency personnel to stay away from the fire area,” Hoover says. “The public is asked to avoid the fire area which is very busy with firefighters and equipment.” Please continue to avoid the area to allow firefighters to continue working on fire suppression.